Experience the transformative power of nurturing an intentional relationship with God. Just as in Leviticus, where God appreciated offerings presented with care and without defect, He values our heartfelt gifts as “a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the Lord.” Like a fragrant offering, your devotion and heartfelt gifts bring God delight. Take the first step towards a deeper, more meaningful connection.
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It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of the day. To hit the “snooze” button on the alarm clock once or twice to make up for going to bed late. To spend too much time deciding on the perfect outfit for the day ahead. And before I know it, I’ve squandered away my quiet time, the time before the stresses and decisions and chaos of the day truly unfolds. Does that ever happen to you, or is it just me?

What if we approached our time with God as a deliberate act of devotion, offering Him the best of ourselves, our time, our passion, and our relationship?

I’ve spent quite a bit of time studying Leviticus. In the first several chapters, God gave Moses very specific instructions about the condition and format of the offerings that He would consider to be presentable.

The animals that were to be presented as an offering to the Lord, whether they were from the herd, from the flock, or birds of the air, were to have no defects. When grain was given as an offering, whether in pure form or baked or prepared in a pan, it was to consist of choice flour and not adulterated by yeast.

Nurturing Intentional Relationship with God

What struck me reading the passages that I had never noticed before was that God didn’t command that everyone give the identical offering. Their offering was based on what they had. And if the instructions were followed, then in each situation, God determined the offering was “a special gift, a pleasing aroma to the Lord.”

Every day I give of myself to others. I give my time and my efforts to my family. I give my time and my expertise and wisdom in ministry. I give my talents, understanding, and compassion to my friends. And I do it all willfully and joyfully, without hardly even thinking about it. I give them the best I have to offer for their needs, which may be entirely different than what someone else would or could offer. My gifts are based on the gifts and talents God has provided me.

Yet, what God desires is “a special gift.” A thoughtful, intentional gift of our time, our devotion, our passion, our interest, and our relationship to Him. He doesn’t desire it because of religious rules or obligation, but out of love and a desire for relationship.

The thing about the offerings was that even though God told them what to do to make an offering, when they followed through, He considered it “a special gift” because He knew that it was given willfully and intentionally on their part. They could have chosen not to do as He commanded, yet when they did, He received it as “a special gift.”

Every morning and evening God walked with Adam in the cool of the day. They intentionally spent time together. That’s what He desires of me, and you: That we would give him part of ourselves, part of our day—the best part, without defect, as a gift to Him.

Exploring the essence of pleasing God

Have you ever gone home, walked in the door of your parents’ home, and smelled your favorite dish cooking in the oven or on the stove? Doesn’t it just thrill your heart to know that someone loved you enough to give you the gift of your favorite meal? It probably isn’t their favorite, so it’s a sacrifice intended to express love to you. A special gift to you.

Similarly, when we give God our offering, crafted with intention and devotion, we receive the satisfaction of knowing it is considered by God to be “a pleasing aroma.” How great to know that our offering to God pleases Him, delights Him, like a pleasing aroma filling a home.

What will your “special gift” to God be today? May it be a fragrant offering, a token of your deepening connection and devotion that you together.

Because of Him, #HopePrevails!